Richard Joseph Langer, 79, Rapid City, passed from this life Thursday, May 17, 2012 at the Ft. Meade VA Medical Center after an extended illness. He was born July 6, 1932 in Spalding, NE to Joseph E and Amelia K. (Glaser) Langer. He graduated from Spalding Academy in Spalding and joined the US Air Force. He served for 32 years, retiring as Chief Master Sergeant, serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, specializing in missiles and aircraft mechanics at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He received the bronze medal from the Vietnam War. A very intelligent and dedicated soldier, he served his country well. He was a member of the Retired Enlisted Association, Disabled American Veterans; Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Air Force Sergeants Association and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. He is survived by his wife Elinor, Rapid City; her children Rosilee St. Nicholas, Marilee (Jake) Folstrom and Richard Stahl Jr, all of Rapid City; his children, Katherine (Brian) Fischer, Larkspur, CO and Cindy Fornash, Felicity, OH; Larry Cross, Riverton, WY; Jerry, Bobby, Bill, Cathy and Ron Cross; his brothers Vincent Langer, Spalding, NE and Victor Langer, Arvada, CO. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Katherine Cross Langer; 2 sons, Dicky and Tommy Langer and a granddaughter, Melissa Johnson.